a routine out of the abnormal

One thing that we've learned from all this (she sweeps her hand broadly to indicate the whole mess we're in...) is that we rely on, we like, we thrive and prosper with routines in place. Just think how you begin your day, how you approach food, how you plan visits with friends or family, how you pour yourself a cup of coffee at this hour and a glass of wine at that hour. Flexibility is good, but establishing routines is what makes a household hum and what frees your mind to explore the unusual and the adventurous.

Covid continues to be ever so clever at taking a wrecking ball to our well established routines. Sure, it's fantastic if you don't get sick and especially fantastic if you don't die. Millions would give a lot to be in that privileged place. Still, I cannot blame you if you are despairing at how your days look with Covid breathing down your neck (eww! what a horrible image!), day after day after day.

The young family in Chicago is once again having their week turn upside down, as after a few days of school, Primrose needs to quarantine once more, because there was a case of Covid in her class. Here, in Madison, Snowdrop is still under quarantine with her very real infection, though her brother has returned to school. The non-Covid babysitter has had to hang back for the past two weeks as the family has moved from one infection to the next. Me, I brought the girl to the farmette one day, then retreated, as first her dad and then she herself turned positive. But, I like routines, and especially around kids and food, and so I have fallen this week into a steady habit of driving over to her house, each afternoon, with our usual fruits and some baked goods (muffins remain a big favorite), some book about some aspect of winter, and lately -- a big old quilt that is a great cover when you just feel like the cold has penetrated every layer of your clothing.

But first, the morning: it is a very cold day. (But not enough snow still! Take a look!)

Ed and I both eat hot oatmeal once again.

And eventually I drive over to chat/read/eat/play with the housebound girl.

We are outside for a good hour. I give credit to the hot chocolate, the quilt and the sunshine.

(it's called boot-skating)

There is a gusty wind, which means that the high of 16F (-9C) doesn't feel very high at all. Snowdrop's face is pink, my nose is now probably closer to the color of beets, but still, we persist!

If at the beginning of the week things looked extra gloomy for her, for her entire household, right now they look better. Not only are we slowly climbing out of their Covid attack, but, too, the new routines have offered a pleasant regularity to each day: I found, she found, we all found some pockets of predictability and yes, joy, in this crazy and weird week. 

 

Toward evening, Ed and I walk along the trail that hugs Lake Waubesa, with a little detour onto the lake...

 

 

 

My it's windy and piercingly cold out there!

Still, it is another evening of stunning colors! 

We were ever so happy to be outside, and perhaps even happier coming back into a warm farmhouse.